Wisconsin Department of Administration Appointed RJ Binau
RJ Binau has been named the new administrator of the Division of Facilities Development and State Building Commission secretary.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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The Wisconsin Department of Administration announced the appointment of RJ Binau to lead the Division of Facilities Development. Binau replaces Naomi De Mers, who served in the role for nearly eight years.
Why it matters
This leadership transition shifts management of the state's significant infrastructure initiatives to a veteran with over two decades of experience in Wisconsin state programs. The role is central to the execution of multi-million dollar construction projects across the state.
RJ Binau brings 24 years of state service to the role, including 19 years with the State Building Program and five years in the State Budget Office. The division previously managed a $7.6 billion project portfolio under De Mers.
The players
RJ Binau
He is the newly appointed administrator of the Division of Facilities Development and secretary of the State Building Commission.
Naomi De Mers
She served as the administrator of the Division of Facilities Development and secretary of the State Building Commission for nearly eight years.
Tony Evers
He is the Governor of Wisconsin who announced $374 million in building project approvals in August 2026.
The details
RJ Binau previously served as the deputy administrator for the Division of Facilities Development. Naomi De Mers, who managed a $7.6 billion project portfolio during her tenure, will remain with the Division of Facilities Development team.
Timeline
RJ Binau served as acting secretary of the State Building Commission in 2017.
Governor Tony Evers announced $374 million in building projects in August 2026.
The Department of Administration announced the appointment on October 8, 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows recent approval of $374 million in building projects, highlighting the scale of the portfolio managed by the division. This transition ensures continuity for the state's ongoing infrastructure investments and major capital project oversight.
Residents may notice continuity in state infrastructure projects as the new administrator assumes control of the building program. The management of the $7.6 billion portfolio continues under the leadership of a veteran of the State Building Program.
The takeaway
The appointment underscores the reliance on long-term institutional knowledge within Wisconsin's administrative offices. Citizens can expect the state to continue its current trajectory regarding the management of major building projects.
Further reading
For more information on state personnel changes, visit the Wisconsin People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Reporter - WI Construction News & Bids.
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Do you trust that new leadership in your state building commission will improve construction project oversight?
